Discover Sikionas

When visiting Sikionas, it is also worth exploring the surrounding area. Kiato is a coastal town on the Gulf of Corinth whose history was shaped largely by the currant trade. River courses shape the city’s geography, while nearby cultural sites add evidence from different eras to the picture.

Kiato: Coastal Setting and City Geography

Kiato lies 22 kilometres west of Corinth. The Elissonas runs through the city centre and is historically connected with the ancient city of Sicyon; the Kyrillos stream, by contrast, forms Kiato’s western boundary. This brings together two distinct geographical features: the Elissonas runs through the centre and has a historical connection, while the Kyrillos marks the western edge.

From the Currant Trade to Urban Growth

After the Greek Revolution of 1821, Kiato developed into a regional trading centre. Families moved from remote mountain villages to the coast, primarily to trade currants. Among the prominent families who settled in Kiato during this period was the family of Sotirios Krokidas, who later became Prime Minister of Greece. Kiato grew considerably in the late 19th century, especially during the interwar period, when the currant trade flourished. During this time, the port and the currant warehouses later known as ASO were established. Today, the port and warehouse complexes are two central sites in Kiato.

Archaeological Collections and Theatre

The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Sicyon displays finds in an atrium and three halls. They come from Sicyon and the surrounding area, as well as from Stymphalos, Pellene and the Cave of Pitsa; the collection spans the Mycenaean to the Early Christian period. Exhibits include Mycenaean pottery from Xylokastro, a marble bust of Apollo reminiscent of a work by Praxiteles, mosaic floors, and Early Christian and Byzantine sculptures.

The Ancient Theatre of Sikyon is also nearby and is considered one of the largest theatres in ancient Greece. While the museum brings together finds from several places and eras, the theatre represents a different testament to antiquity.

Library and Church in Kiato

The Sikyonians Municipal Library is housed in a fully renovated annex of the ASO complex, near the port of Kiato. The library occupies two floors and holds more than 6,000 book titles. Its collection includes literature, philosophy, reference works, children’s literature, poetry, essays, history, psychology, supplementary schoolbooks, biographies and works by Greek classics.

At the southern edge of Kiato, the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God stands on Panagitsa Hill. Locals know it as Panagitsa. The same name is thus used for both the hill and the church’s local name.

Discover more destinations: Velo, Isthmia, Lechaion, Siderona, Vrachati, Korfos, Laliotis, Stymfalia

For the main travel overview: Corinth.